Washington's Birthday vs. Presidents Day — What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between Washington's Birthday and Presidents Day, including the official federal holiday name, why the name changed, and which presidents' birthdays are in February.
The federal government officially calls the third Monday of February "Washington's Birthday," but most Americans know it as "Presidents Day." This article explains the difference, why the confusion exists, and which presidents' birthdays fall in February.
There's often confusion about whether the third Monday of February is called "Washington's Birthday" or "Presidents Day." The answer depends on who you ask and where you are. This article clarifies the difference and explains the history behind both names.
The Official Name: Washington's Birthday
According to the federal government, the holiday observed on the third Monday of February is officially called "Washington's Birthday." This is the legal name established by federal law.
Federal Law
- 1968: Uniform Monday Holiday Act established the third Monday of February as a federal holiday
- Official Name: The act specified "Washington's Birthday"
- Purpose: To honor George Washington's birthday (February 22, 1732)
The federal government has never officially changed the name to "Presidents Day," despite popular usage.
Why "Presidents Day" Became Common
While the federal government maintains "Washington's Birthday," the name "Presidents Day" became popular for several reasons:
1. State Variations
Many states officially adopted "Presidents Day" as their name for the holiday:
- Some states wanted to honor multiple presidents
- Some states combined Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays
- State laws vary, creating inconsistency
2. Marketing and Commerce
Retailers found "Presidents Day" more marketable:
- More inclusive than "Washington's Birthday"
- Better for sales promotions
- Appeals to broader audience
3. Educational Evolution
Schools began teaching about multiple presidents:
- Not just Washington, but all presidents
- Educational materials used "Presidents Day"
- Students learned the broader name
4. Cultural Shift
Americans began seeing it as a celebration of all presidents:
- Recognition of multiple presidential contributions
- Broader interpretation of the holiday
- Cultural evolution of the holiday's meaning
The Unofficial Name: Presidents Day
"Presidents Day" is the commonly used name, even though it's not the official federal designation. This name:
- Is widely recognized by the public
- Is used in most commercial settings
- Appears in many state laws
- Is used in educational materials
Which Name Is Correct?
Both names are used, depending on context:
Federal Government
- Official Name: Washington's Birthday
- Legal Status: This is the legal federal holiday name
- Usage: Federal documents, official communications
Popular Usage
- Common Name: Presidents Day
- Recognition: Widely understood and accepted
- Usage: Media, commerce, everyday conversation
State Governments
- Varies by State: Some use "Washington's Birthday," others use "Presidents Day"
- Check Local Laws: Each state may have different official names
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion between the two names exists because:
- Federal vs. State: Federal law says one thing, states may say another
- Official vs. Popular: Official name differs from popular usage
- Historical Evolution: The name evolved in popular culture
- Marketing Influence: Commercial use popularized "Presidents Day"
- Educational Materials: Schools often use "Presidents Day"
Presidents' Birthdays in February
February is significant for presidential birthdays:
George Washington
- Birthday: February 22, 1732
- Significance: Original reason for the holiday
- Connection: Holiday always falls within a week of his birthday
Abraham Lincoln
- Birthday: February 12, 1809
- Significance: Some states honor both Washington and Lincoln
- Note: Never a federal holiday, but often combined with Washington's Birthday
Other February Presidents
- William Henry Harrison: February 9, 1773
- Ronald Reagan: February 6, 1911
Presidents Born in January
While February is known for presidential birthdays, January also has significant presidential birthdays:
January Presidents
- Millard Fillmore: January 7, 1800
- Richard Nixon: January 9, 1913
- Martin Van Buren: January 8, 1782
Major Presidents' Birthdays Table
Here's a table of major U.S. presidents and their birthdays:
| President | Birthday | Month |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington | February 22, 1732 | February |
| Abraham Lincoln | February 12, 1809 | February |
| Thomas Jefferson | April 13, 1743 | April |
| Theodore Roosevelt | October 27, 1858 | October |
| Franklin D. Roosevelt | January 30, 1882 | January |
| John F. Kennedy | May 29, 1917 | May |
| Ronald Reagan | February 6, 1911 | February |
| Barack Obama | August 4, 1961 | August |
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1968) moved Washington's Birthday from February 22 to the third Monday of February. This act:
- Created consistent three-day weekends
- Moved the holiday to always fall on a Monday
- Maintained proximity to Washington's actual birthday
- Took effect in 1971
Why the Third Monday?
The third Monday of February was chosen because:
- It always falls within a week of February 22
- Ensures the holiday is always on a Monday
- Creates a consistent three-day weekend
- Maintains connection to Washington's birthday
State Variations
Different states have different official names:
States Using "Washington's Birthday"
- Some states maintain the federal name
- Official state documents use "Washington's Birthday"
States Using "Presidents Day"
- Many states officially adopted "Presidents Day"
- State laws may specify "Presidents Day"
- Some honor multiple presidents
States Honoring Both
- Some states honor both Washington and Lincoln
- May have separate observances or combined celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Official Name of the Holiday?
The official federal name is "Washington's Birthday," but it's commonly called "Presidents Day."
Why Is It Called Presidents Day If It's Officially Washington's Birthday?
The name "Presidents Day" evolved in popular culture and state governments, even though the federal government maintains the official "Washington's Birthday" designation.
Is Presidents Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes, the third Monday of February is a federal holiday, officially called "Washington's Birthday."
Which Presidents' Birthdays Are in February?
George Washington (February 22), Abraham Lincoln (February 12), William Henry Harrison (February 9), and Ronald Reagan (February 6) were all born in February.
Why Was the Date Changed from February 22?
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the holiday to the third Monday of February to create consistent three-day weekends.
Do All States Call It Presidents Day?
No, state names vary. Some use "Washington's Birthday," others use "Presidents Day," and some have other names.
Related Resources
- Presidents Day Date Calculator: Find when the holiday falls each year
- What Is Presidents Day?: Learn more about the holiday's history
- Presidents Day Dates by Year: Complete date tables
Conclusion
The confusion between "Washington's Birthday" and "Presidents Day" stems from the difference between the official federal name and popular usage. While the federal government officially calls it "Washington's Birthday," most Americans know it as "Presidents Day." Both names are valid in their respective contexts, and the holiday serves to honor presidential contributions to American history, whether you call it by its official or popular name.
Understanding this distinction helps clarify why you might see different names in different contexts, from federal documents to retail advertisements.